Atmosphere
Videos
An atmosphere is a layer of gases that envelop an astronomical object, held in place by the gravity of the object. The name originates from Ancient Greek ἀτμός 'vapour, steam' and σφαῖρα 'sphere'. An
The atmospheric gases around Earth scatter blue light (shorter wavelengths) more than light toward the red end (longer wavelengths) of the visible spectrum; thus, a blue glow over the horizon is seen when observing Earth from outer space. The Moon is visible in the background.
Artist's impression of a newly-formed protoplanet
Chaotic Clouds of Jupiter
Greenhouse effect
Videos
The greenhouse effect occurs when heat-trapping gases in a planet's atmosphere prevent the planet from losing heat to space, raising its surface temperature. Surface heating can happen from an interna
The greenhouse effect and its impact on climate were succinctly described in this 1912 Popular Mechanics article, accessible for reading by the general public.
Earth's rate of heating (graph) is a result of factors which include the enhanced greenhouse effect.